For & Against

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Pro - For

Words beginning in 'pro' can mean being for something or in a forward direction. The prefix 'pro' has lots of other meanings, like being 'in front of' something, but here we will only look at the forward meaning.

Propel

To propel means to push or drive forward.
- Example: The wind helped to propel the boat forward.
- Alternative: The wind helped to drive the boat forward.

Pro

To be pro something means to be in favour of it.
A pro is also an advantage of something.
- Example: Sebastian was pro the idea of his school abolishing homework.
- Alternative: Sebastian was for the idea of his school abolishing homework.
- Example: A pro of living on the outskirts of a city is that it is often cheaper.
- Alternative: An advantage of living on the outskirts of a city is that it is often cheaper.

Proceed

To proceed means to go forwards.
- Example: We will proceed with this matter no further.
- Alternative: We will go forward with this matter no further.

Proclaim

To proclaim is to announce something publicly - to put 'forward' your thoughts publicly.
- Example: The government proclaimed that the war was over.
- Alternative: The government announced that the war was over.

Anti - Against

Words beginning with 'anti' generally mean being against or opposed to something.

Antibiotic

An antibiotic is a substance used to destroy microorganisms and treat infections.
- Example: My brother is taking antibiotics because he has tonsillitis.

Antisocial

Antisocial means not social or against society.
- Example: Henry will not go to the party because he is too antisocial.
- Alternative: Henry will not go to the party because he doesn't like socialising.
- Example: Stealing is an example of antisocial behaviour.
- Alternative: Stealing is an example of wrong behaviour.

Anticlimax

A climax is a build up towards something really exciting. So an anticlimax is when something is not as exciting or impressive as expected, so it causes disappointment.
- Example: The book's ending was an anticlimax.
- Alternative: The book's ending was a disappointment.

Antibacterial

Something that's antibacterial is designed to kill bacteria - it's 'against' bacteria.
- Example: I shouldn't have touched that dirty plate - I don't have any antibacterial gel with me.
- Alternative: I shouldn't have touched that dirty plate - I don't have any bacteria-killing gel with me.

Contra - Against

Words beginning with 'contra' generally mean against something.

Contrast

A contrast is a difference between two or more things.
- Example: Molly and Georgia have contrasting hair colours.
- Alternative: Molly and Georgia have opposite hair colours.

Contradict

To contradict means to say that something is wrong, or to say the opposite of what someone has said.
- Example: The dictator said the captives deserved to be punished, and no one contradicted him.
- Alternative: The dictator said the captives deserved to be punished, and no one said he was wrong.
- Example: Jessica said the journey was pleasant; Hattie contradicted her by saying the journey was awful.
- Alternative: Jessica said the journey was pleasant; Hattie opposed her by saying the journey was awful

Contrary

Contrary means opposite in nature - 'against' the nature of something.
On the contrary is a common phrase meaning opposite to.
- Example: Patrick thought the fleece was ugly. I, on the contrary, thought the fleece was beautiful.
- Alternative: Patrick thought the fleece was ugly. I, on the other hand, thought the fleece was beautiful.
- Example: The results of the match were contrary to my expectations.
- Alternative: The results of the match were the opposite of what I expected.

Contraception

Contraception is the use of different methods to prevent pregnancy. More literally, contraception means 'against' conception, which is the act of conceiving a child.
- Example: Condoms are a cheap and effective means of contraception.
- Alternative: Condoms are a cheap and effective means of birth control.